FY026 Preparing for Success at University: Reflective Essay Analysis

This essay, written for the FY026 module 'Preparing for Success at University,' reflects on a student's learning experience, focusing on skills developed, challenges faced, and expectations for the future. The essay delves into lessons learned, including enhanced thinking, analytical, interpretation, reflective, and creative skills. It also addresses the challenges of adapting to university life and the expectations students have, such as personal development and career prospects. The student analyzes the importance of communication and learning skills, providing insights into navigating higher education and preparing for future endeavors. The essay concludes by summarizing the key takeaways and reinforcing the value of continuous learning and self-reflection. This essay provides a comprehensive overview of the student's growth and preparation for future academic and professional success.

Essay

Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY.................................................................................................................................................3
Lessons learnt during the module...........................................................................................................3
Reflection on future challenges and expectations of an university course..............................................4
CONCLUSION...............................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
University course helps a student to develop skills and competencies which are required
for the future (Aasheim, Li and Williams, 2019). There is a lot which needs to be done by the
students so that they fare well in these courses and therefore get a good job in the future which
pays them well.
MAIN BODY
Lessons learnt during the module
In my university course, I have got a chance to learn many new things which have helped
me in developing my personality. I have paid specific attention to what my teachers are teaching
in the college and therefore in this manner I have made sure that I cover up all that is taught to
me.
During my experience in the college, I have learnt the following lessons-
 Thinking Skills- I have learnt to enhance my thinking skills. My course program was
such that it required higher-order thinking skills. Our lecturers have also motivated us to
enhance our thinking skills so that we are able to analyze and interpret in a better way in
the future.
 Analytical Skills- I have also learnt to use analytical skills. My course program allowed
us to develop them so that we are able to understand the needs and requirements much
better. My teacher helped in developing these skills in me and therefore this has helped
me to analyze in a better way than before.
 Interpretation Skills- In my university course I have also learnt to develop the
interpretation skills. These skills are quite essential because they help in interpreting the
meaning from a given content. Our teachers at the college helped in developing these
skills which has allowed me to interpret the required information in my own words.
 Reflective Learning- In the college, I have learnt that reflective learning is quite helpful
for the students. This helps them in making sure that they study using the right techniques
and styles (From, 2017). Our teachers helped us in developing these skills which has led
us to write the given content in our own words to get good grades in academic
assignments.
 Creative Skills- Creativity refers to the ability of thinking and generating new ideas
which are somewhat different from the others and using them for gaining the required
advantage (Creativity Skills: Definition, Tips and Examples, 2020). In our college, the
lecturers usually focus on these skills so that the students are able to write creative
content which helps them in getting good grades in their academic projects. Therefore I
have learnt how to use these skills in the right manner.

 Learning Skills- In our university, I learnt that it is important to be a good learner also.
For this specific skills are required. The skills which are required for this are good
listening ability, paying attention to the teachers, concentration, focus etc. These skills are
quite helpful for the students in the college to develop their learning ability in the right
manner (Murray, D. W. and et.al., 2016). This helps them in the future as they become
proficient in their skills and capabilities and can use them as and when required.
 Communication Skills- In our university, I have learnt communication skills. Earlier,
during my high school days I was not very good in communicating effectively. However
as I enrolled into college for my higher studies I learnt about using the communication
skills. This is so because our course in the college requires us to make presentations and
deliver it in front of the class. This helps in enhancement of speaking skills. Therefore
learning of communication skills is going to surely benefit me in the future.
Reflection on future challenges and expectations of an university course
While studying in the universities there are various challenges and expectations which a
student is required to face. They are explained as follows-
Future challenges-
 Getting ready- I faced the challenge of getting ready for university education as I was
used to studying in high school for a long time. Thus the university education was
something new for me. Therefore I took it as a challenge and made sure that I am fully
ready for the university level and can learn and enhance my skills and capabilities for the
future needs and requirements which is going to help me a lot.
 Development of skills- There are higher order skills which are required in certain
university courses (Kennan, 2016). While studying in the high school, I lacked these
skills. Therefore in the college I have made sure that I develop these skills as they are
very helpful in achieving the desired outcomes and improving one’s learning capabilities
as a learner.
 Requirements- There is certain academic requirements of enrolling into top universities.
They require certain percentage in high school examinations. As I was a bright performer
in the high school I had no problem in getting admission into a top college for pursuing
my higher education.
 Cultural change- There is a cultural change when a student moves from high school to
university education (Schuyler and et.al., 2016). This change is required to be accepted
by the students because it is a part and parcel of the change process. I had certain
difficulties in accepting the change process but thereafter I gradually accepted the
change. This has helped me a lot in facing the various types of challenges without issues
and problems.
Future expectations-

 Development- The students expect that by enrolling in a university course and by
finishing their higher studies they will be able to ensure their comprehensive
development. I have seen that this is the expectation of many of the students.
 Personality- The students have expectations that they will be able to develop their
personality after completing their college education. I have seen many students who have
this expectation from a university course.
 Knowledge- I have noticed that many students come with high expectations in the
university. They have an expectation that they will be able to develop their knowledge
comprehensively by studying in the college and learning at the university level. Thus my
suggestion to such students is to keep studying hard and make sure that you develop the
knowledge which will surely help you in the future.
 Well-settled career- I think that it is important for the students to give priority to their
career. Many of them come with this expectation in the university. Thus it is important
that they get good grades in the examinations and pass with flying colors so that they can
have a well-settled career.
CONCLUSION
From the above essay, it can be concluded that there are many things which a
student can learn at the university level. It is important for them to review the lessons
which have been learnt. Also, there are future challenges and expectations from a
university course which are for the students.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals:
Aasheim, C. L., Li, L. and Williams, S., 2019. Knowledge and skill requirements for entry-level
information technology workers: A comparison of industry and academia. Journal of information
systems education. 20(3). p.10.
From, J., 2017. Pedagogical Digital Competence--Between Values, Knowledge and
Skills. Higher Education Studies. 7(2). pp.43-50.
Kennan, M. A., 2016. Data Management: Knowledge and skills required in research, scientific
and technical organisations.
Schuyler, A. C. and et.al., 2016. Building young women’s knowledge and skills in female
condom use: lessons learned from a South African intervention. Health education
research. 31(2). pp.260-272.
Murray, D. W. and et.al., 2016. Culinary efficacy: an exploratory study of skills, confidence, and
healthy cooking competencies among university students. Perspectives in Public Health. 136(3).
pp.143-151.
Online
Creativity Skills: Definition, Tips and Examples. 2020. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/creativity-skills#:~:text=Creativity
%20is%20the%20ability%20to,things%20from%20a%20unique%20perspective>. Date of
Access- 08/06/2020